Woman of Nobility: The Story of Sophronia Emeline Cobb Dryer

In the late 1800s a supremely qualified woman educator and administrator made an unforgettable imprint on well-known missionaries educators and preachers. Emma Dryer worked with Pacific Garden Missions George and Sarah Clarke Methodist deaconess Lucy Rider Meyer Wheaton College President Charles Blanchard Anna Spafford--whose husband wrote the beloved hymn It is Well with My Soul--and many others. However her greatest achievement came from her divinely guided association with evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Moody Bible Institute in Chicago with its compelling and far-reaching ministries would undoubtedly not exist today if not for the driving missionary fervor of Emma Dryer. Her story is finally being told in light of this association. A close examination of her ministry relationship with Mr. Moody reveals the interconnected aspects of their lives from a viewpoint never before written. This includes examining their leadership styles and effectiveness in modern day terms as well as contrasting their learning styles strengths and weaknesses as both evangelist and educator. This book represents the first biography of Emma Dryers life with undying evidence of the answered prayers of a noble and virtuous woman who dedicated her life to serve and honor Christ until his eminent return. It is vital that Christians not lose touch with the ways God has used others in building His kingdom. In this book Dr. Nina Bissett takes an engaging look at a life and ministry that should not be forgotten! The reader is not only inspired by Dryers biography but also gains insight into the reasons Dryer was impactful. Educators and church leaders alike will benefit from learning more about Emma Dryer. --Cisco Cotto Chicago Radio Personality; Lead Pastor Village Church of Oak Park Bissetts biography of Emma Dryer is a welcome addition to our understanding of Christianity in America during the late 19th century. Drawing upon previously untapped primary sources she gives us the first scholarly and balanced biography of an extremely important woman who helped spread the Gospel at home and abroad. People interested in the often-ignored role women played in promulgating the Christian faith should read this book. --Lyle W. Dorsett Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism Beeson Divinity School Bissetts ground-breaking work on Emma Dryer is truly a lifetime achievement. Few scholars have had the courage and tenacity to take on Emmas complex personality and lifetime mission work and the particular struggles she encountered as both a woman and founder of what would be known as Moody Bible Institute. --Louis B. Gallien Jr. Former Dean Reich College of Education Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies The Honors College Appalachian State University The life of Emma Dryer is worth celebrating. Even though hidden for years Bissett was able to uncover the incredible impact she had on so many and gives us a glimpse into the life of this world-changer. This book is a must-have for each persons library. --Huntley Brown International Concert Pianist Nina Bissett has served in public schools and Christian schools as a teacher and administrator and has experience as a program director and therapist through the National Institute for Learning Development. She holds a BA in Education from David Lipscomb University in Nashville Tennessee; a MA in Christian School Administration from Grace College in Winona Lake Indiana; and an EdD in Higher Education Administration and Teaching from Regent University in Virginia Beach Virginia.